Get Covered During Open Enrollment in Colorado

It’s open enrollment season! Whether you’re signing up for individual coverage, Medicare or Medicaid, now is the time to review your options and make sure you’re covered.

Open enrollment is your opportunity to get health insurance or make changes to your current plan. Whether you’re enrolling for the first time or exploring new policies, this is the best time to take action.

At CU Medicine, we accept a wide range of insurance plans to ensure our community has access to quality care. Explore your options today and find the coverage that’s right for you.

Medicare in Colorado: Key Dates and Things to Watch

Medicare’s annual open enrollment runs October 15 to December 7. During that period, you can:

• Join, change or drop a Medicare Advantage plan.
• Change your prescription drug (Part D) plan.
• Switch from Medicare Advantage to Traditional Medicare (with or without drug coverage).

Any change you make during that window will take effect January 1, 2026.

To join a Medicare Advantage (Part C) health plan, you generally must meet all of these requirements:

• Have Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) – both are required.
• Live in the service area of the plan you want to join.
• Be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present in the United States.
• Provide your Medicare Number and your Part A/Part B effective dates (as shown on your Medicare card).

CU Medicine is contracted to accept the Medicare plans listed here. To learn more about Medicare open enrollment visit here.

Medicaid, Health First Colorado and Child Health Plans Plus (CHP+): What’s New in 2025

In Colorado, the Medicaid program is called Health First Colorado. CHP+ is the companion program for children and pregnant people whose families earn too much for Medicaid but still need help.

Unlike private insurance and Medicare, there is no limited open enrollment period for Health First Colorado or CHP+. You can apply or renew as long as you meet eligibility criteria.

If you have questions about the renewal process, you can visit hfcgo.com/renewals or contact your county human services department https://cdhs.colorado.gov/contact-your-county.

Private (Marketplace) Insurance: The Basics in Colorado

For individuals and families not eligible for Medicare or Medicaid, private insurance is available through Colorado’s marketplace named Connect for Health Colorado.

• The open enrollment period for 2026 coverage runs November 1, 2025 through January 15, 2026.
• Outside that window, you can only enroll or make changes if you experience a qualifying life event like a job change, marriage, birth or loss of coverage.
• Applicants may qualify for financial assistance (premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions) depending on income.
• For undocumented immigrants 18 or older, the OmniSalud program is an option. It allows people to shop and enroll in private plans.

View CU Medicine’s accepted insurance plans here. Learn more about finding a health insurance plan through Connect for Health Colorado here.

What You Should Do Now for Open Enrollment

To make the most of open enrollment season, follow these steps:

1. Mark your key dates
• Medicare: October 15 to December 7
• Marketplace: November 1 through January 15
• Watch for your Medicaid/CHP+ renewal packets
2. Review your current coverage
   Look for changes in costs, benefits or provider networks. Ask: Is my doctor still in network? Are my prescriptions covered?
3. Estimate your 2026 income
   Your predicted income affects eligibility for Medicaid, CHP+ and marketplace subsidies.
4. Check immigration status rules
   Especially if you or your dependents were ineligible before, new rules for children and pregnant people may change what programs you can apply for in 2025.
5. Gather documents
   Have proof of income, citizenship or immigration status (if needed), current insurance, Social Security numbers and proof of residence.
6. Don’t miss renewal deadlines
   For Medicaid/CHP+ stay alert to notices. Missing them could cause you to lose coverage.

Visit Medicare, Connect for Health Colorado, Health First Colorado (Medicaid) and Child Health Plans Plus to learn more.

Visit CU Medicine’s accepted health insurance plans here.